I have a wooden exterior door which i stained with what was supposed to be weather-proof stainer however when we have rain the door becomes so swollen that it is very difficult to open and close it. Does anyone know of any product that would stop this happening. I dont really want to paint it with exterior gloss as I like the natural wood.

Chris, January 2011

if the door is sticking on the upright,then give that edge a good sanding down, back to bare wood if possible, then apply 4/5 coats of your stain and 2 coats of varnish, it sounds as if water is still getting through and swelling the timber.

paul, February 2011

The stain will be a wood preservative - to prevent rot.

The wood of the door will still get wet and expand and then contract as it dries. Over time the glued joints will be loosened and the door ruined - probably permanently.

Most exterior wooden doors are painted - some have exterior grade varnish to act as a weather barrier.

I suspect you will have to paint or varnish your door but you might try several generous applications of Teak Oil or Danish Oil - but not until it's been allowed to dry out.

Peccavi, January 2011